About Samantha Jimenez Garcia
My Background
I started making films in middle school, drawn to storytelling as a way to understand the world around me and my place within it. Now a sophomore at the University of Southern California with junior standing, I study International Relations and Cinematic Arts, working to bridge global narratives with visual storytelling.
As a first-generation Mexican American, my work is rooted in questions of identity, belonging, and representation. I’m interested in the spaces where personal and political worlds collide, where culture, history, and emotion shape the stories we tell and the ones we inherit. Through film, I aim to create work that reflects my community with honesty and care, while pushing beyond the limits of how we are often portrayed.
I’m especially drawn to horror, thriller, and drama as vehicles for tension and truth, though I often find myself experimenting with comedy as a way to challenge and disarm. No matter the genre, my goal remains the same: to create work that resonates, unsettles, and stays with people.
My Skills
I have experience with a variety of skills, including directing, writing, camera operator, collaboration, problem-solving, communication, social media marketing, planning, project management, leadership, conflict resolution,
Google Suite, Microsoft Office Suite, TikTok, Instagram, Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, Meta Business
Suite, YouTube, Twitter/X, DaVinci Resolve, Final Cut, Movie Magic Scheduling/Budgeting, Pro Tools, Dragon Frame, and Final Draft, and more. I am also Fluent in Spanish and English, and currently learning Japanese
My Experience
As a high achiver I have looked for opportunities everywhere. Leading me to work with a production company called Fridays Films, giving me an inside scoop into how the film industry really works. Addtionally I have worked with the Mill Valley Film Festival in curatoring their festivals young selection with a run time of 90mins, we had to pick out 200+ short films. I have worked with KQED as one of their first Creative collaborates which is made up of young adults. We are tasked to produce a show for teens, made by teens, which resulted in the "Field Trip Game Show" being created. As for myself, I have created 10 short films where l have had a major role in all, such as directing, writing, editing, producing, and being an AD. Many of which have been award winners and have participated in film festivals. I am experienced in Music videos as well, specializing in up and coming young artist. I have also created two documentaies where I have been the director and co director. I have participated in programs with USC and NYU for writing.